The Anatomy of Soccer Goalkeeper Gloves

Posted by Ben Macrae on July 10th, 2019

A goalkeeper is the only player on the field who wears gloves. However, a pair of gloves is an essential part of the defense. So, it is an important soccer training equipment for the goalkeeper. The right pair provides the best grip on the ball. It also protects his fingers and palms. The goalkeeper can block, catch and punch the ball without any safety concern.

The material used for gloves is a blend of synthetic and natural latex foams. However, you should also consider the field while buying the goalkeeper’s gloves. Gloves suitable for artificial grass are not ideal for natural grass. The quality of gloves plays an important role. This is the reason why you will find some pairs available at and some pairs cost more than 0. It is a complicated soccer training equipment. Let’s simplify it for you. 

The anatomy of goalkeeper gloves 

Palm 

The palm along with the fingers should be designed to provide the best grip. Buy gloves having palms made from top-grade materials. There are different types of palms including textured, dimpled and smooth. Gloves with dimpled or textured palms are more durable and best for practice.  

Backend 

The goalkeeper needs protection while punching the soccer ball. The palm and backhand are connected with finger gussets and the body of the glove. Finger gusset is a mesh lining inserted into the gloves. This is used to improve the fit. The cost of the glove greatly depends on its backhand. The best quality gloves have latex backhands. Cheap quality and inexpensive gloves come with a single foam layer.

Closure 

The closure secures the pair on your hands. The most common closures are hook and loop closures. These closures feature elastic, adjustable flaps to loosen or tighten gloves. V-notch closures come with a vented entry keeping hands of the goalkeeper dry and cool. Bandage closures come with elastic that goes around your wrist. Gloves with bandage closures provide you with the best supportive grip. However, some goalkeepers find the grip of bandage closures a little restrictive. 

Fingers 

Fingers need the maximum protection and the best grip to catch and secure the ball. How well a pair of gloves fit, it depends on the cut and size of the glove. Goalkeepers looking for more freedom of movement invest in gloves with a looser fit. Goalkeepers looking for better control and security go for tightly fit gloves. 

Cuts 

It refers to the way palm material of the glove is constructed.

Flat cut 

Flat cut is also known as “traditional cut”. The palm is a single piece of flat foam. This pair of gloves gives you a boxier appearance and loose fit. These gloves have exterior stitching. 

Negative 

The seam is inside the glove. One piece of latex is used for making the palm. There are gussets between the backhand and palm. These gloves are suitable for those who want the most snug fit. These gloves are ideal for goalkeepers with slimmer hands.    

Rolled/Gunn 

You can easily identify these gloves by their “rolled fingers” construction. These gloves provide you with a larger contact area and snug fit. 

Hybrid

If you want a combination of all cuts in the same glove, you can invest in the hybrid one. 

Make sure that you are buying a pair of gloves that is comfortable and fits well.